EXTINCT OR NOT! WERE BEING LIED TOO!

AI OR NOT? WHO KNOWS? WE WERE TOLD THEIR EXTINCT!

By Jessica Scipio

September 29, 2025

9:12 PM

New Two-Clawed Dinosaur Discovered in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert

"Duonychus Tsogtbaatari"

Sheds Light on "Therizinosaur" Evolution and Adaptation

SO THEY SAY!

A newly discovered dinosaur species, named Duonychus Tsogtbaatari, has been unearthed in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, offering fresh insights into a lesser-known family of dinosaurs called therizinosaurs. The find, detailed in a study published in the journal iScience, is based on two remarkably well-preserved fossil claws. Therizinosaurs were two-legged dinosaurs that roamed central and eastern Asia, as well as western North America, during the Cretaceous period approximately 90 million years ago. Known for their distinctive long necks, small leaf-shaped teeth, and large hooked claws, these dinosaurs were primarily herbivorous or omnivorous despite their intimidating appearance.

The standout feature of Duonychus Tsogtbaatari is its two-fingered hand, a departure from the typical three-fingered hands of other therizinosaurs. This characteristic makes its hand structure more akin to that of the Tyrannosaurus rex than its closer relatives. The fossilized hand, complete with intact finger and wrist bones, also includes well-preserved claw sheaths made of keratin, the protein found in animal feathers, hair, and hooves. This exceptional preservation provides a rare glimpse into the anatomy of these ancient creatures and their adaptations.

Therizinosaurs are recognized for their large, curved claws, which, despite their fearsome look, were likely used for grasping vegetation rather than predation. In Duonychus, the claws exhibit a strong 90-degree curvature, suggesting they were highly effective for gripping and pulling branches. Researchers compare this claw function to that of modern-day chameleons and anteaters, which use similar hooking motions. The two-fingered structure did not hinder Duonychus’ ability to grasp, as the extreme flexion and curvature of its claws made it an adept grasper of plant material.

The discovery was made in the lower Upper Cretaceous Bayanshiree Formation of the Gobi Desert, a region increasingly recognized for its rich dinosaur fossil deposits. The excavation uncovered not only the hand and claws but also provided clues about the dinosaur’s ecological role. The study, led by researchers including paleontologist Darla Zelenitsky from the University of Calgary and scientists from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, highlights the unique adaptations of this species within the therizinosaur family.

This find contributes significantly to our understanding of digit loss in dinosaur evolution. The reduction from three fingers to two in Duonychus mirrors similar evolutionary trends observed in other two-legged dinosaur lineages, such as the Tyrannosaurus rex. This independent evolution of digit loss suggests that different dinosaur groups adapted to their environments in parallel ways, likely driven by similar ecological pressures. The phenomenon underscores the adaptability of therizinosaurs to diverse ecological niches.

The Gobi Desert’s Bayanshiree Formation continues to be a treasure trove for paleontologists, with the discovery of Duonychus indicating that the region may harbor even greater dinosaur diversity than previously thought. The well-preserved fossils offer a window into the morphology and behavior of these ancient reptiles, particularly their feeding strategies. The two-clawed hand of Duonychus, with its specialized grasping ability, points to a lifestyle centered around manipulating vegetation, possibly in dense or forested environments.

The study also emphasizes the importance of the keratinous claw sheaths, which are rarely preserved in the fossil record. These structures provide critical information about the dinosaur’s claw function and its interaction with the environment. The strong curvature and flexibility of the claws suggest that Duonychus was well-equipped to handle tough or fibrous plant material, reinforcing the idea that therizinosaurs were primarily plant-eaters despite their formidable appearance.

The discovery of Duonychus tsogtbaatari adds to the growing body of evidence that therizinosaurs were a highly adaptable group of dinosaurs. Their ability to evolve distinct traits, such as the two-fingered hand, highlights their success in occupying varied ecological roles across different continents. The independent evolution of digit reduction in multiple dinosaur lineages also raises questions about the environmental factors that drove such adaptations, offering avenues for future research.

In conclusion, rather in my opinion, this can be demonstrated as AI, simply; because we all were told such animals were extinct. As I claim to differ, the truth is scarier than fiction.